Hot and Cool: The Best Natural Springs for Winter

Even if you’ve already winterized your RV, you don’t have to wait until the spring thaw to enjoy your next camping trip. While hot springs are the obvious choice in the winter months, some snowbird RVers might find that their winter destination is a little warmer than expected.

That’s why it makes sense to know the best (hot and cold) springs to soak in this winter. So whether you’re winter camping and need a hot spring to warm up in or you’ve gone south and clear, cool water isn’t as easy to find; there’s a spring on this list within a few day’s drive!

The Best Hot Springs for Winter RV Trips

For those interested in winter RVing, check out these awesome hot spring camping destinations:

Buckstaff Baths

Where: Hot Springs, AR

The Buckstaff Baths are actually one of eight bathhouses along Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. Most were initially built in the 19th and 20th centuries and are now part of Hot Springs National Park. The nearby Ouachita Mountains offer some exceptional hiking when you’re not in town shopping or enjoying your luxury hot springs experience.

Hot Spring in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Getty Images

Shepherd Hot Springs

Where: Mammoth Lakes, CA

Check the weather before making the drive along CA Highway 395 towards Mammoth Lakes to find this epic natural hot spring. This area just south of Mammoth is actually scattered with a handful of natural springs, but if you have a small camper, Shepherd Hot Springs is a great place to set up for a long relaxing weekend as you enjoy views of the snowcapped eastern Sierras.

Glenwood Hot Springs

Where: Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Photo: Glenwood Springs

If you can time up your trip to minimize driving your RV in wintery conditions, Glenwood Springs is a great destination in the Rocky Mountains. The Glenwood hot springs pool dates back to 1888 and offers a large mineral bath for road-weary travelers. Nearby, you can also check out the Iron Mountain Hot Springs for a relaxing soak right along the banks of the Colorado River.

Big Medicine Hot Springs

Where: Hot Springs, Montana

As you can see, there are many towns throughout the US with the ‘Hot Springs’ name. This small town is actually located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana. There are actually several hot springs to choose from in town, but this one has been known for its ‘Big Medicine’ by natives and travelers for centuries.

Boiling River, Montana

Where: Hot Springs, Montana

Near Montana’s southern border with Wyoming, the geothermal activity beneath Yellowstone National Park produces some pleasing results. Boiling River offers warm, soothing soaking for park patrons eager to escape the chill. From a parking lot along the road between the North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs, a half-mile walk along the Gardner River leads to a designated soaking/swimming area where the waters from these two rivers mix.

Relaxing in Montana’s Boiling River. Getty Images

Spring Creek Hot Springs

Where: Hot Springs, North Carolina

The town of Hot Springs, North Carolina, rests at the confluence of Spring Creek and the French Broad River. It is the only known hot spring in the state of North Carolina and one of the few throughout the entire southeastern US. Surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy here. But primarily, check out the springs at Hot Springs Resort and Spa or Broadwing Farm.

The Best Cold Springs for Winter RV Trips

If you’re heading south for the winter, you might enjoy some of these refreshing cold spring camping destinations:

Three Sisters Springs

A Manatee floats in Three Sisters Springs in Florida.

Where: Crystal River, FL

Three Sisters Springs is actually part of the larger Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. While there is no access to the water from the refuge itself, the boardwalk offers a great chance to stroll through the wetlands and stop at viewing platforms to look for manatees and more than 100 migratory bird species. The Hunter Springs and King’s Bay Parks are the best places to launch a kayak or enjoy a swim in this area.

Blue Spring

Where: Orange City, FL

Although you’ll still be close to downtown Orlando, you certainly won’t feel like it at the largest natural spring on Florida’s St. Johns River. The spring is a designated manatee refuge and visiting from mid-November through March will actually give you the best chance to see this area’s population of West Indian Manatees. Blue Spring State Park also offers swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, boating, kayaking, and more.

Radium Springs

Where: Albany, GA

Radium Springs is one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders and the source of clear waters that maintain a temperature of roughly 68℉ year-round. This powerful spring pumps more than 70,000 gallons of water out of an underground cave every minute! The grounds also include lush gardens and a wonderful arboretum that are worth touring if you have the time.

Barton Springs

Where: Austin, TX

A dog having fun in Barton Springs in Texas.

Largely responsible for the settlement and development of the Austin metropolis and a long-time hangout for University of Texas students, Barton Springs is a great place to cool off in waters that remain roughly 68-70℉ year-round. The nearby Zilker Metropolitan Park is also a great place to exercise your furry travel companion or enjoy a picnic lunch in the Texas sun.

Krause Springs

Where: Spicewood, TX

Krause Springs. Getty Images

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Krause Springs is a great alternative for those that might not want to deal with Austin area traffic. Founded in 1955, this 115-acre site has gained notoriety over the years, so make sure to research and schedule your visit in advance. There are actually 32 springs on the property, which remains owned by the Krause family and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Good Sam Parks with Springs Nearby

For those of you that want to take advantage of your Good Sam membership, try camping at some of these luxury RV parks within a short distance of hot or cold springs:

Yellowstone’s Edge RV Park

Located in Livingston, Montana, this RV park really does lie at the edge of Yellowstone National Park. Camping here, you’ll be close to Chico Hot Springs and one of the top-10 fly fishing rivers in the US. Open seasonally from May 1st through October 10th, approximately.

Sam’s Family Spa

Sam’s Family Spa

The town of Desert Hot Springs in Southern California is a snowbird RVer’s paradise and Sam’s Family Spa is an epic location to camp here. You’ll be able to enjoy therapeutic pools or hot mineral spas as well as hot or dry saunas and a host of other luxury amenities. Open year-round.

Traveler’s Campground

Nestled into the rolling hills of central Florida near the town of Alachua, Traveler’s Campground is made for more than just the casual pass-through. You’ll be close to a number of Florida’s refreshing freshwater cold springs as well as some of its best state parks and the University of Florida campus.

Find Your Perfect Temperature

Whether you’re looking for something hot or cold this winter, we hope you take the chance to visit some of these springs. And if you have suggestions that we didn’t include, we’d love to hear from you!

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